Super’s Self Concept Theory

&

Overview of Life Stages

(Chapter 1)

Kathleen E. High, M.Ed.Adapted from: Sukienni, D. Bendat, W. Raufman, L. (2007). The Career Fitness Program (8th Ed.).

We differ in abilities, interests and values

Every occupation requires certain traits Each of us is qualified for a number of

occupations Vocational preferences and skills

change with time and experience Selecting a career involves the following

stages (next slides)

Growth physical, emotional

Exploration Fantasy, tentative, reality testing

Establishment Offers experiences for growth

Maintenance Maintain or improve in career area

Disengagement See no new challenges or chances for

mobility

Career patterns are influenced by:Socioeconomic levelMental abilityPersonalityOpportunities to which exposed

Career development = Self concept development

Work and life satisfaction depend on ability to have sufficient outlets for interests, personality, values, and traits.

Late Adolescence (16-22) Provisional Adulthood (22-28) Thirties Transition (28-32) Time of Rooting (32-39) Turning-Point Years (39-43) Restabilization/Bearing Fruit (43-50) Renewal (50-60) Transition Toward Retirement (60+)

Theories are based on “social norms”Of past and presentMay not take into account societal changes of

Present & Future (Rapidly-changing world)(We will discuss later)

May not necessarily reflect cultural differences(We will discuss later)

Individuals cannot make satisfying choices when possessing a poor self-concept

Respond to the following prompts:

1.What did I learn from this theory?

2.How does this theory relate to my life?

3.I am________________________________

4.I need_______________________________

5.I want_______________________________

6.I would like to change_________________

7.If all goes well in the next five years, I will be doing the following things_________________

8.If things go poorly in the next five years, I will be doing______________________________

9.Reviewing past jobs or volunteer experiences I have had, what did I like best/least about each one? Is there a pattern?